Lagos, Sept. Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu is set to join leading economic and development experts in a high-level dialogue focused on building inclusive enterprises that drive sustainable growth across Nigeria.
President of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, announced this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
He stated that the two-day conference, titled “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,” would take place from October 22 to 23 in Abuja.
Oyebanji observed that enterprises and industries were shifting at an unprecedented speed, while traditional business models were being challenged, and public trust remained under constant scrutiny.
He stressed that building inclusive enterprises required confronting biases, challenging assumptions, and intentionally promoting diversity in the workplace.
“This means seeking out diverse talent, fostering equity, and ensuring that representation is fair, nuanced, and reflective of society,” Oyebanji explained.
He affirmed that CIoD Nigeria remained committed to promoting global best practices in corporate governance and ethical leadership.
According to him, CIoD recognises the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to strengthen governance.
He added that this collaboration was crucial to building a robust ecosystem for ethical leadership and corporate responsibility in Nigeria.
Notable speakers include Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, Chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.
Also expected are Mr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group.
Other panellists include Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning.
Oyebanji noted that the current period of change was both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s institutions and make them more impactful.
Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, stated that Nigeria is facing economic restructuring, digital acceleration, and demographic transitions.
He emphasised that these shifts necessitated leaders in both the public and private sectors to act with clarity, foresight, and integrity.
Represented by Mrs Ronke Sokefun, Ashiru said leaders must not only survive change but also guide others through it and build innovative, sustainable enterprises.
He explained that the 2025 conference would provide a platform to examine governance, enterprise, and national development issues.
Ashiru said the event would equip directors, policymakers, and stakeholders with tools to navigate uncertainty, embrace innovation, and build resilient organisations.
“This year’s theme continues CIoD’s tradition of thought leadership and reinforces our role in national development,” Ashiru stated.
He added that since 2022, conference themes had reflected the institute’s belief that governance extends beyond boardrooms to shaping economic growth and inclusivity.
“The 2025 goal is to ensure directors and policymakers are better equipped for ethical leadership while strengthening Nigeria’s economy,” Ashiru said.
Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank, Mr Olayinka Ijabiyi, reaffirmed the bank’s continued support for CIoD initiatives.
He said that First Bank, with a 131-year legacy, was committed to empowering Nigerian business leaders with insights and networks to navigate today’s economic challenges.
Ijabiyi added that the bank would continue promoting visionary leadership and ethical business practices across its operations.